Edison Diamond Disc Army Navy phonograph

[ann]

How common/rare are these machines, what is the demand, what are they worth, and are any museums/universities looking to acquire them?

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

I have no idea, but that is very, very cool.


I'd imagine Edison records would be rather hard to get overseas in WWI, no?

[ann]

I don't know if this one ever "saw combat" - it was my grandfather's, he worked with the company to sell the players and the records. It is residing in Wisconsin nowadays.

[Jerry B.]

The Army/Navy machines are quite unusual.

Demand is somewhat limited because they are just plain ugly. Most collectors live with their machines and have spouses that have difficulty living with such an odd machine.

I would estimate that a complete example in good condition is worth between $1000 and $1500.

Your machine does not appear complete so it is worth considerably less. I hope this helps. Jerry Blais

[ann]

True, they aren't much to look at, but as a slice of history, they are fascinating. I will have to look and see if all the parts are there. There are boxes of parts in a closet, and I haven't had a chance to decipher what they include. Also, boxes of records, autographed photos, scrapbooks, manuals, etc.

[MicaMonster]

What I would like to see is a picture of this phonograph in use back in WW1! The great majority of them stayed 'Stateside in training camps, often purchased by organizations and donated to the troops.

Looks like yours just needs a few pieces of hardware, and maybe its horn elbow soldered back on.

-W

[ann]

I believe that I have parts, spares, etc., and will post photos when time allows.

[Valecnik]

What I would like to see is a picture of this phonograph in use back in WW1! The great majority of them stayed 'Stateside in training camps, often purchased by organizations and donated to the troops.

Looks like yours just needs a few pieces of hardware, and maybe its horn elbow soldered back on.

-W

Pitty the poor enthusiastic volunteer who on his first day on the front gets assigned "Edison Duty" lugging that thing around. The only worse job would have been toting the commander's large record collection.

[ann]

The thing takes two people to lug upstairs! I hope the phonograph and record collection had its own cart and horse! Sorry I haven't had a chance to post or reply to email inquiries. I've been swamped. The player became my responsibility when Mom died last month, and after caring for her for the past two years, I'm a bit overwhelmed. Those who have emailed and are awaiting a reply, I'll get back to you soon, I promise.

[fran604g]

The thing takes two people to lug upstairs! I hope the phonograph and record collection had its own cart and horse! Sorry I haven't had a chance to post or reply to email inquiries. I've been swamped. The player became my responsibility when Mom died last month, and after caring for her for the past two years, I'm a bit overwhelmed. Those who have emailed and are awaiting a reply, I'll get back to you soon, I promise.

Ann,

My condolences for your loss. I know it isn't an easy task, dealing with the loss of a loved one and then trying to "pick up the pieces". Good luck with things.

Fran